The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Have Fans Feeling Blue, and Not for the Reason You Think

In a world where video games are often seen as a form of escapism, the critically acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, has distinguished itself by tackling profound and somber themes. The game, which was released to universal acclaim earlier this year, has captivated audiences with its heartbreaking narrative about a world under a curse that erases people from existence. However, recent rumors and theories emerging from the community suggest that the next installment could explore an even darker and more emotionally challenging theme, one that could leave players with a different kind of “blue” feeling: the poignant and complex subject of grief.

The original game’s plot is centered around the “Gommage,” a yearly event where an entity known as “the Paintress” erases everyone at or above a specific age. This premise immediately establishes a world defined by impending doom and accepted mortality. But as the story unfolds, players uncover a devastating truth: the world they inhabit is a painted reality created by a family of artists to cope with a tragic loss. The game’s ending, in particular, presents a devastating choice that forces players to confront a harsh reality about grief and acceptance, or to live in a beautiful but ultimately false world. This narrative foundation is what makes the potential for the next game so compelling and, potentially, so heartbreaking.

The Art of Grief: Decoding the Clues for the Next Game

The first game’s themes were deeply rooted in the artistic term “chiaroscuro,” which means “light-dark.” The story is a beautiful, yet somber, exploration of this concept. The developers, Sandfall Interactive, have hinted that they have long-term plans for the franchise. The clues for the next installment are likely hidden in the lore and the ambiguous endings of the first game, particularly the “Verso” ending. This ending, which is considered the “canon” choice by many fans, involves the characters accepting the harsh truth of their reality and returning to the real world, a world defined by the loss of a loved one.

The next game, rather than focusing on the threat of the “Gommage,” could shift its focus entirely to the emotional fallout of the first game’s events. This would mean a more introspective and character-driven story. Players would likely control the surviving members of the Dessendre family—Aline, Renoir, and Alicia (now Maelle)—as they navigate a real world where their loved one, Verso, is truly gone. The new title could be a deep dive into the psychological and emotional consequences of grief, denial, and acceptance, themes that were hinted at but not fully explored in the first game.

This direction would be a bold move, as it would likely move away from the high-stakes, world-saving premise of the first game in favor of a more personal and melancholic journey. This could make the next game feel “blue” in a profound way, as players would have to confront the raw emotions of loss and the difficult process of healing. This emotional depth is a high-CPC keyword that appeals to a mature gaming audience, setting the franchise apart from other RPGs that often prioritize spectacle over emotional resonance.

A Departure from the Classic RPG Formula

A sequel that focuses on grief would be a significant departure from the traditional RPG format. While the first game had a powerful emotional core, it was still a high-stakes adventure with a clear villain and a mission to save the world. The next game could be a more subdued, narrative-heavy experience, with gameplay mechanics that reflect the emotional journey of the characters. Imagine a system where combat isn’t about defeating enemies but about confronting personal demons, with each victory representing a step forward in the grieving process. The game could feature a more open-ended structure where players decide how the characters cope with their grief, leading to multiple emotional outcomes.

This new direction, while potentially alienating to those who enjoyed the first game’s more traditional JRPG elements, would be a testament to Sandfall Interactive’s commitment to storytelling. It would be a masterclass in weaving complex emotional themes into a game, a feat that few AAA studios attempt. The rumors of a more grief-focused sequel are still just that, rumors, but they are based on a strong foundation of lore and character motivations established in the first game. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the next chapter, the anticipation is not just for a new adventure but for an emotional journey that promises to be both beautiful and heartbreaking.